Specialized S-Works Enduro SL Carbon Mountain Bike

You have heard of exotic cars, but now from the leading mountain bike manufacturers come the hi-tech exotic MTB's (Mountain Bikes). These bikes are usually derived from team competition models, and built on either titanium or carbon fibre frames that are incredibly light. Some people want to ride the best bicycle, and as more cities build bicycle paths, more people are taking up serious cycling and demanding the best performance. Specialized Bicycle Components is a U.S. manufacturer of high-end cycles. Their top of the line 'S-Works' Mountain Bike range includes models like the 'Epic', the 'Carbon HT', the 'Saphire', the 'Stumpjumper', and the subject of this article, the S-Works 'Enduro SL Carbon'.

With its carbon gloss frame, anodized gold and white front forks, and custom suspension components, the Enduro SL Carbon mountain bike has the look of a serious bit of kit. Specialized Mountain Bikes fabricate many custom in-house designed components, and the Enduro SL Carbon comes with Specialized's own suspension design and hardware. The frame is made from carbon fibre and is unique to the S-Works line. The frame system can also be purchased separately as the Enduro SL Carbon Frameset for those inclined to build up their own mountain bike.

The rear shock is a Specialized AFR Shock and the front fork is a Specialized S-Works Future Shock e150SL. Both front and rear shocks are adjustable for compression and rebound, with the front fork also having travel adjustment. The handlebars are Specialized Enduro 2014 alloy and the stem is a Specialized S-Works - Future Shock type. For stopping, Specialized has chosen Avid Juicy Ultimate hydraulic brakes and brake levers, with the front brake having a 203 mm rotor, and the rear having a 185 mm rotor.

For gear changes, the rear derailleur is an SRAM X-0 9-speed, and the front derailleur is the Shimano M970 XTR. The shift levers are SRAM X-0 carbon. The crankset is a Shimano M-970 XTR and the cassette freewheel, chain, and chainrings are Shimano XTR. The crankset and the bottom bracket are the Shimano M-970 XTR series.

The Enduro SL carbon rides on 26 inch diameter rims and these, and the front and rear hubs are made by Royal Traversee. For the contact patch, the tires chosen are 26x2.3" S-Works Eskar tires. The saddle is a Specialized Enduro model with titanium rails and the seat post is manufactured by Thomson.

Specialized advertises the Enduro SL Carbon as a top of the range mountain bike and say that it excellent as both a hill climber and for making all round steep descents. The Specialized Enduro SL Carbon has a United States M.S.R.P. price of $7700. (as of August 4/08)